Wednesday, May 1, 2024
After Chyanne Brake’s Doberman, Lizzie, went viral on TikTok this year, she wanted to write a children’s book detailing the adventures of Lizzie and her brother, Axel.
While Brake was writing the book, Lizzie suddenly died from complications with megaesophagus, a disorder that makes it difficult for dogs to digest food. Following her family’s own loss of Lizzie, she decided to write a story that helps kids understand what it means to lose a pet.
“Once she went viral, we wanted to do a children’s book with her and Axel and do book tours and go to schools,” Brake said. “As I was writing that story she passed away, and then I didn’t want to have a fun story if she can’t come do the tours with us, so we decided take that whole situation and turn it into a book to help kids.”
Titled “Lizzie and Axel: Forever Friends,” the story chronicles Axel and Lizzie’s final adventure as Axel helps Lizzie cross the Rainbow Bridge. The story helps children understand the journey of the Rainbow Bridge and to find comfort in the unbreakable bond they share with their pets.
“It shows Axel coming home alone, but understanding she’s still there in spirit,” Brake said.
She said kids have always been her favorite age group, which is why she wanted to gear the story toward young readers.
“I think it’s a hard subject to talk about,” Brake said. “A lot of parents just don’t know how to bring it up or how to discuss it, so I think having a story you can reference can really help bridge the communication gap.”
Brake said she always wanted to open up her own business and thought publishing a book was a great opportunity. After videos of Lizzie’s facial expressions received millions of views on TikTok, it inspired Brake to write her first book about her two dogs. Brake self-published the book, built her own website, and is shipping the books out of her own house.
In the future, Brake said she would like to write a second book that shows Lizzie sending them their dog, Sterling, who they recently adopted as a companion for Axel following the loss of his sister.
“They say that the dog who has passed always sends you your next dog to look after you,” she said.
Lizzie, Axel, and Sterling were rescued from Second Chance Farm in Granbury, a rescue that gives abused or disabled animals a second chance at finding a home.
“Lizzie and Axle: Forever Friends” can be purchased online at sassy-sentiments.com.
